In 1997 a little known progressive / avant-garde metal act entitled Subterranean Masquerade was conceived by Tomer Pink. Drawing influence from a rather eclectic selection of inspirations, Tomer with the help of numerous session guests from various other projects created the highly acclaimed 2004 EP Temporary Psychotic State followed by the 2005 full length Suspended Animation Dreams. While the unique styling founded on these releases didn't garner a large following, they did incite great passion in the fans that were acquired. After this the band slowly faded into further obscurity as talk of future releases became less and less frequent to the point of non-existent, bringing many to question if there would ever be more material offered up under the Subterranean Masquerade moniker.

Now let’s fast forward to 2012. The news had struck that the act was officially in the works of a new full length album, and a two song EP entitled Home to preface it. A spark has been struck with the fans that have feasted on the bands only two releases over the course of what is nearly a decade. New material is finally on the foreseeable horizon.

It was worth the wait. Home kicks off on an unrelenting, aggressive note pulsing with layers of instruments and intricacies letting the listener know that while eight years have passed Subterranean Masquerade is still here. Following the hefty intro, the track breaks into a lighter passage highlighted by vocals that are reminiscent of a singer’s moment of quiet reflection within a musical in an almost spoken word fashion. While this shows off the multiple facets of this band, it isn't long before the buildup leads to heavier terrain than what listeners will be used to from Subterranean Masquerade's previous releases. It is not just heavy in its climax however, it is downright moving.

The title track is supplemented with a cover of the classic song Beyond The Pale from The Mission. While paying respect to the original song it also emanates with a feeling that can best be described as Subterranean Masquerade. A rarity of a cover song as it can be enjoyed for its own merits side by side with the original track.

All in all Home displays great promise for what will be coming in the next full length album while adding great material to the bands discography. It has furthered my hunger for more, while simultaneously quenching the thirst I have had for some time. If one thing should be noted, it’s that Subterranean Masquerade is Home.